This Google Maps photo shows an area where the southbound bike lane on North Greeley Avenue crosses an on-ramp to I-5 South. The location is where Robert A. Smith was struck by a Honda Accord traveling onto the on-ramp.
(Google Maps)

A Google Maps image taken from above shows where the bike lane on North Greeley Avenue crosses an on-ramp to Interstate 5.
(Google Maps)

This Google Maps image shows the approach (left-hand lane) to an on-ramp that crosses a bike lane along North Greeley Avenue. A lawsuit claims that the city and state are negligent, in part, for failing to warn drivers of the dangerous crossing ahead.
(Google Maps)

Portland police took this photo of the scene of a crash that left Robert A. Smith unable to walk for months.
(Portland Police Bureau)

A 43-year-old cyclist hit by a car driving 60 mph in one of Portland's most dangerous cyclist-vehicle crossings is suing Portland and Oregon for $1.35 million.

In a lawsuit filed Thursday, Robert A. Smith claims it shouldn't have come as a surprise to the government entities responsible for designing a North Greeley Avenue bike lane that a cyclist would one day be seriously injured or killed. The southbound bike lane crosses an on-ramp to Interstate 5 -- a section of road where the speed limit is 45 mph but drivers often travel 55 mph to 60 mph.

At about 1:45 p.m. on Dec. 21, 2017, Smith was pedaling toward downtown when he approached the area where the bike lane crosses the entrance to Interstate 5, the suit says. Smith looked behind him and saw a large truck off in the distance, and he estimated there was enough space for him to ride across the on-ramp in the bike lane, the suit says.

This Google Maps photo shows the North Greeley Avenue bike lane that travels across an on-ramp to Interstate 5.
Google Maps

Thats when a 1999 Honda Accord driven by Brandon Lee Swiger suddenly passed the truck and cut in front of it at more than 60 mph -- slamming into Smith, according to the lawsuit.

Smith suffered a broken leg, ankle, pelvis, hand and ribs in addition to chipped teeth, collapsed lungs and a traumatic brain injury. He was not wearing a helmet -- not a requirement under Oregon law.

According to court records, Portland police cited Swiger, 35, of St. Helens for careless driving that contributed to an accident with serious physical injury to a vulnerable road user. Swiger was fined $445, but a judge lowered that amount to $250.

In addition to the city and state, Smith also is suing Swiger, who couldnt be reached Friday for comment. Officials from the city attorney's office and the Oregon Department of Transportation declined comment.

Smith's lawsuit also faults the city and the state for failing to notify approaching drivers that a bike lane is about to cross the on-ramp.

Jim Coon, a Portland attorney representing Smith, said the city had considered redesigning the crossing but had delayed it. Its amazing Smith is alive, Coon said.

Some people get killed at 10 mph, and some people survive this kind of thing, Coon said. The design of this particular intersection was discussed by the city as a very dangerous one. And its fairly obvious: Youre asking bikes to cross the on-ramp where people are going freeway speeds. Its basically a recipe for disaster.

Smith was hospitalized then sent to a rehabilitation facility before returning home in February. He used a wheelchair for months, but today hes able to walk with the use of a cane.

He fears he wont be able to ride his bike again, which is something he really treasured doing, said Portland attorney Cynthia Newton, who is representing Smith with Coon.

Smith's medical bills have surpassed $358,000. He also is seeking $1 million for his suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.